Endless Depths

by Thea Verdone

How far would you go to rescue the man you love? 

Cole Morrissey
A near death experience is just another Monday when you’re a crab fisherman, but my black cloud would make anyone nervous, let alone my husband. 

Morgan begged me to stay home this year, but I only have one rule in our marriage: I go where you go. 

It’s a decision that ruins us.

What happened broke me. I hurt the people I love, and I don’t know how to stop. That’s why I pushed Morgan away, and abandoned everyone else. 

But Morgan won’t let me go so easily, and I love him too much to let him drown with me. 

Why can’t he see that I’m not worth saving? 

Morgan Morrissey
When I vowed until death do us part, I meant it. Cole can kick me out and break my heart, but I won’t let him throw away our marriage.

Somewhere inside the stranger I no longer recognize is the boy who chased away the darkness after my parents died. I’ll save him from himself, whether he wants me to or not. 

Why else would I follow him onto the same one-hundred-foot crab boat I told him not to go on after he asked for a divorce? 

But man is no match for the Bering Sea, and if we’re not careful, death will keep our vows before Cole can break them. 

—
Endless Depths is an angsty MM romance perfect for fans of marriage in crisis, fractured found families, and a hard-fought happily ever after. It's the first book in the Deep Water series , featuring the fishermen of the Briar Anteros as they navigate tumultuous relationships and the unforgivable Bering Sea. Each book follows a different couple and can be read in any order.

Tropes:
Marriage in crisis
Forced proximity
Hurt x comfort
Brother’s best friend
Grumpy x sunshine
Second chance
Chronic pain
Found family

For a full list of content warnings, please visit my website (caution: they may contain spoilers).

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Found Family

Kindle Edition

Expected publication July 29, 2026

About the author

Thea writes spicy romances about imperfect people haunted by inner demons and dark histories.

Whether it's a crumbling gothic mansion, the ocean at night, or a castle on a tidal island, her settings are as alive as any other character.

When she's not making her friends laugh, or her readers cry, she can be found reading, learning how to draw (very badly), or in nature.

For my Anti-AI policy, please visit https://theaverdone.com/ai-policy

Follow me at https://instagram.com/theaverdone and
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Reviews

[Andrew Smith-Mebust · Rating 5 out of 5]

You all are not ready for this book.
I have never cried more in my life, I was literally crying dust because my tear ducts were dried out😂
Sad Tears✅
Happy Tears✅
Horny Tears✅
This book is special and not to be taken lightly. It’s EXTREMELY heavy and deals with TRAUMA, and how it affects not only the individual, but also everyone around you. It is the most hard won HEA book I’ve read to date. The reward at the end is worth it (I had to keep reminding myself this 😂). So, when this releases, and you’re ready, I hope you pick this book up and let it sweep you up into its endless depths💖 (sorry I had to, Lawrence would approve! IYKYK)

[Brenna Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A full review will come waaaay later.

Thank you Thea for entrusting me with another of your babies to beta read. This broke and healed me in the best way. Officially dethroned NLNL as my favorite Thea book.

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infinity Stars!! This book is extraordinary. The way it tackles the themes of grief, relationship rupture, repair, family, physical trauma - it shows you how one moment has this ripple that upends time and everyone is then stuck there.

I am truly blown away by how visual this book is, how immersive, I was on the boat in Bearing Sea and I was on land feeling the aftermath, the fear the grief the repair the joy. I am also awed by Finn.. what an absolutely phenomenal little guy.

Now the parts that hurt the most - Cole, Morgan how can you not love them both of them. These characters are complex and their choices could be applauded or judged but they are human. My heart broke for them, no matter how strong something is , how fated, how connected - sometimes sh1t happens and you have to claw your way back to a relationship that’s then stronger for it. Thea handled this path beautifully , leaving nothing hidden, nothing off page, totally bared and raw

She also addressed the wider circle of relationships with the found family, how those were rebuilt.

The pacing is smooth, sharp and gripping, I read it one go until the end where I dragged it out cause I didn’t want it to finish 🤣 

Also I have to mention some parts that really stuck with me:

1. “Wait” - Cole 😭
2. Morgan’s resilience
3. Everything about Seb 😭😭
4. Morgan and Kent’s call signs
5. Law and Javi
6. Javi working on Cole
7. Cole and Morgan laying there holding hands when all is lost
8. Finn being so brave with his big beautiful heart
9. Their video calls after school
10. Morgan making Cole fight
11. The unexplained presence that saved them a second time - I love that Thea always gives us something more to believe in
12. The absolutely phenomenal world building of crab fishing - I cannot stress this enough it is impeccable

[Marley Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy


• This book was fantastic
• The writing was vivid and atmospheric, which worked well for both visualizing different scenes and really getting a sense of the emotions each character was experiencing
• And since the couple was already established, It also aided in making their relationship seem genuine
• The side characters were distinct and well fleshed out, and the way they interacted felt like a real, established family which was fun to read about
• I enjoyed the really nuanced exploration of chronic pain and the trauma that comes after an accident—as a person who hasn’t experienced it first hand, I felt it gave a lot of insight into what it can be like
• The storyline itself had many ups and downs and went back and forth, which I think helped a lot in showing how messy and nonlinear the healing process can be
• Overall, the story was such a testament to the power of love, healing, friendship, family, and forgiveness

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s all you need to know: Endless Depths is an INCREDIBLE read.

Thea writes with such care and attention to detail. These characters feel real and tangible and their struggles are so human. The way they imperfectly navigate past trauma, grief and healing is so well done.

A truly superb piece of writing. A masterpiece. 🦀🫶🏻

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cole + Morgan

-mm romance
-second chance/marriage in crisis
-brothers best friend
-grumpy x sunshine
-forced proximity
-hurt/comfort
-chronic pain
-found family

mannn this one was soooo rough & just kept breaking & breaking & BREAKINGGGG me! marriage in crisis is quickly becoming one of my FAVORITE tropes & damnnnn did this one hurt!! it had sooo much turmoil & trauma going on that these two had to work thru & it go SOOO messy but i loved every bit of it!!

[Mary Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage in crisis? Alaska? Angst?
🗣️SIGN ME UP

I’ve been on a kick lately of loving romances where the couple is already established, but going THROUGH IT! The chance for angst, hurt/comfort, and growth between the characters just is so good.

So, when I saw Thea was releasing an MM romance where the tropes were marriage in crisis, forced proximity, and second chance, AND the setting was Alaska? It was an immediate need.

If you’re wondering if Endless Depths lived up to my expectations? It did in fact 🤩

From the setting to the plot to the characters, I couldn’t have asked for more. It checked all of my boxes and then some. I loved the emotion and getting to experience Cole and Morgan find their happily ever after. Sure, there some rough waves (hah), but it just made their story so much better.

I also loved getting to meet all of the supporting characters! I’m definitely intrigued for what’s to come 😉

Thank you, Thea, for the eARC. It’s been a blast getting to experience this release with you and the team 🥹👏

[Eszter Ilia-Barabás · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author.

I’ve found a new favorite! Thea Verdone has done it again! I think it says everything that by the time I was only at about thirty percent of the novel, I already knew that Cole and Morgan’s story deserved all the stars in the world.

I’d never really given much thought to crab fishermen and the immense dangers that come with their work. Thank you for teaching me something new!

I was right there on the deck of the Briar, feeling the biting wind on my face, the crashing waves, the freezing water, the scent of the sea, and its relentless power. The cover beautifully captures all of this while also conveying the emotional weight of the story. The prose is just as beautiful and lyrical in first person as we’ve come to expect from this author. (I highlighted plenty of quotes while reading!)

“If the sea tries to take you, I’ll drain the ocean to save you.”

This novel wrecked me. It’s a true emotional roller coaster, where every small improvement seems to be followed by another downhill plunge. Just when you think things can only get better from here, life proves otherwise.
The path to healing is not linear, and that was portrayed beautifully.

After a near-death experience and a devastating loss, it’s impossible to simply continue living the life you once knew. Physical scars serve as constant reminders, and grief delivers blow after blow on top of that. Just ask Cole.

I don’t know how to fight for you when I don’t think I’m worth fighting for.

My heart ached for Finn. I wanted nothing more than to wrap Cole in a huge hug (and then shove him straight into Morgan’s arms). I bow to Morgan for his perseverance, and I’m so proud of all of them!

I loved the premise, adored every single character (there’s no question that I’ll be reading the stories of the rest of the crew as well), was completely invested in the found family dynamic, Finny is an absolute sweetheart, and I especially loved getting little glimpses into Cole and Morgan’s past. That scene where Morgan recalls when and where he fell in love with Cole? Swoon.

This novel is trauma upon trauma. It drags you down into endless depths, steals the air from your lungs, and just when you think all is lost, you catch sight of a ray of light filtering through the darkness. Following it, you find your way back to the surface and can finally breathe again.

This is an incredibly painful yet beautiful story that refuses to let go of its readers even after the final page.
It absolutely belongs on my bookshelf.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried 9 times while reading this. I absolutely love this book with my entire being. Cole and Morgan’s story is heartbreaking and so beautiful and important at the same time.
•
•
Life after loss is one thing. Life after a near death experience that leaves you with scars and chronic pain is a whole different thing. Life after both? That’s what Cole is dealing with and there is no handbook on how to move forward.
Morgan watched his husband’s heart stop twice. He was too late. He wasn’t fast enough. How can he forgive the past and move forward when the only man who has ever been safe, has changed the locks on their loft?
The ocean is unforgiving and will take what it wants whenever it wants it. Fisherman try to avoid catastrophe with all their superstitious and rituals but no one is safe if the ocean decides it wants you.
While the ocean is strong enough to rips ships apart, it can also steer two hearts together. As Cole and Morgan try to navigate their new “normal”, grief threatens to ruin everything good that they have left.
Is love enough to pull them from the endless depths of loss? Or will everyone get pulled under eventually?
•
•
Wow. Simply wow. I’m reminded once again why Thea is the queen of emotional reads. Endless Depths intricately wraps grief, life after loss, found family, and second chance love into a heart wrenching story of two crab fisherman whose marriage is in crisis. This holds the record for how soon I’ve cried in a book. All the feels and an incredibly hard fought for HEA.
The struggles that Coal faces after his injury and his loss are far more challenging than he ever expected. He is in the throes of survivors guilt and also resentment for being saved. Morgan almost lost the love of his life and at the same time lost someone almost as important to him. He’s trying to figure it all out while attempting to fight for his husband’s love.
I feel like I don’t have enough words and I just keep using the word beautiful because this book really is.
You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll be so mad, and you’ll feel the loss that these men go through in your heart. But you’ll also be reminded of why choosing those we love is the most important thing to do especially when life is hard.

10/10 recommend!

Thank you to the author for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.

[Lush Persiani Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this early yesterday morning and sat in my thoughts for the review for this book. I needed to ensure I properly expressed the gravity of this story. Here is what I came up with.....
Desperately beautiful. Endless depths was a deeply, desperately beautiful story of two men lost men who have suffered excruciatingly painful traumas. absolutely, unequivocally, soul achingly loved this book. I felt devastated for Cole and Morgan to a level that I can't describe. The pain that is endured, the desperation they both shared was so perfectly woven in their relationship of soul changing love was the most beautiful thing I have ever read. I felt deeply for them and what they were experiencing throughout the ENTIRE book. I am not giving away a single spoiler but here is what I will say! characters superseded any expectations could have possibly had.
They were incredible. They were deep, complex, sweet, true, vulnerable and so incredibly raw and real. They 1000% made this story and I can't wait to read about the supporting characters.
I the plot lone was riveting! I never in a million years thought I would love a story set on the seas that wasn't romantasy of course) but I could not get enough of this. There was an element of danger, excitement, chaos and a sprinkling of what felt like haunting. SO GOOD!!!!!
As I mentioned before, the supporting characters in this were phenomenal. I want to read about them like NOW 😍
Last but absolutely not least, the love story was phenomenal. It was a story that you think about once it's finished and I don't cry and I cried TWICE in this and actually went back a re-read parts that were my favorite and cried again!
This is way more than a 5 star read. It doesn't feel fair to rate it at that because it's SO MUCH MORE 😍
* The spice
incredible! Literally delectable and placed perfectly through out. This is one of my favorite reads of all time, hands down!!!!!

[Amanda Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thea Verdone absolutely wrecked me with Endless Depths. This book pulled me under from the very beginning and did not let go.

The storytelling is so immersive and detailed that it almost feels cinematic. I genuinely felt like I was out there on the boat with the crew, surrounded by the freezing Bering Sea and all the danger that comes with it. The atmosphere is incredible.

This is the first book in the Deep Water series and follows the crew of the Briar Arteros, focusing on Cole and Morgan as they navigate grief, trauma, chronic pain, and a marriage that’s slowly falling apart after a devastating accident at sea.

The emotional depth in this story is unreal. Thea Verdone has such a gift for making readers feel every ounce of pain, heartbreak, exhaustion, and hope her characters experience. Even without personally experiencing chronic pain, the way it’s written makes you understand the relentless weight of living with it every single day.

This book hurt. A lot. But it also delivered such a beautiful balance of hurt and comfort, healing and love. It’s heavy, emotional, and absolutely heartbreaking at times, but there is a hard-earned HEA waiting at the end.

A stunning, emotional, deeply human story that completely consumed me.

[Lore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book blind and gosh, I was not prepared for the rollercoaster of emotions this read turned out to be. As always, Thea does a wonderful job with her unique storytelling and her ability to make the reader feel like part of the story.

Cole and Morgan’s journey is one filled with grief, loss, and hope that constantly slips through their fingers, while learning to adapt to their new reality - and trying to rebuild their relationship when everything feels far too broken to repair.
Their hard-won HEA was so satisfying and rewarding that it’ll stay with me long after finishing the book. How far will you go for the one you love ? How many pieces of yourself would you give to make them whole again ?

[LegalGal421 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morgan and Cole are married. They both work as crab fishermen in the Bering Sea. Their marriage is in crisis while they both mourn the death of someone close to the two of them.

This book hits you where it hurts. These two destroy each other and you feel it all in your heart. They each fight for each other in different ways. There is a HEA, so rest assured.

This is the first book in the series that involves crab fishermen in the Bering Sea (think Deadliest Catch). You meet other characters that will be the MC for future books. The author has set up a vivid world and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Highly recommended but do heed the TW.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Endless Depths is the first book in the Deep Water series

The series follows a fleet of crab fishermen in the harsh and dangerous Bering Sea, and especially the crew of the Briar Arteros.

In this case, Cole and Morgan.

Crab fishing in the Bering Sea is a dangerous job; accidents happen frequently, and this book explores how the characters cope with, or fail to cope, with the trauma of one such accident, set against the backdrop of a marriage falling apart.

I cried my eyes out while reading it.

A masterpiece .

[Janet Jaramillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal.

The story telling is so detailed that it flows like a song. I felt like I was on the the goddamned boat.

The talent that Thea has to make you feel the pain her characters feel needs to be studied! People should be throwing money at her to turn her books into movies. This is my second book of hers I’ve read and I am once again left in shambles. This book is a heavy one on grief, it has a HEA——- but it’s gonna hurt to get there!

Amazing I will 10000% be ordering the paperback and I pray I get an audio book too!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, emotional entry into the Thea Verdone canon. First book to make me cry in probably a decade and I'm mad about it.

[rox · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow this book is a masterpiece

[Marquess Han · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll come back to this when my hearts not hurting so much and the tears have dried.

But man this is a 2026 favourite and Thea I bow to you.

[Ez Rah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc RTC

[Magne Einar · Rating 5 out of 5]

As some of you already know, I was a sensitivity reader for this wonderful book, and now it is finally time for me to share my full review.

Morgan and Cole had my heart very, very quickly. The dynamic between them was developed so beautifully throughout the story that I constantly found myself rooting for them.

As a sensitivity reader, my focus was mainly on the chronic pain representation, and I truly have to say that it was handled incredibly well. The book shows in a very honest and emotional way how an accident and its long-term consequences can affect not only a marriage and family life, but also a person’s mental health.

This story delivers the perfect balance of hurt and comfort. Even if you have never personally experienced chronic pain, the book allows you to understand—at least to some extent—what it can feel like to live with it every single day.

Like I already mentioned before, this book completely pulled me into its endless depths.🙂‍↕️